United Still Expects to Pass On 100% of Jet Fuel Costs, Says Industry Is Turning More Premium
United Airlines CFO Michael Leskinen said at the Morgan Stanley Laguna investor conference that the carrier still expects to recover 100% of jet fuel costs by year-end despite a recent rapid rise in fuel prices. He noted about 35% of fourth-quarter tickets are already booked and cannot be repriced, creating a lag effect, but said customers are willing to pay more for premium seats and amenities like Starlink as the industry turns more premium.
Impact and considerations
Fuel-cost pass-through and premium pricing directly affect corporate travel air budgets and cabin costs, so travel buyers should watch for upward fare pressure.
Key points
- United CFO Michael Leskinen said the carrier still expects to recover 100% of jet fuel costs by year-end.
- Fuel prices have spiked rapidly, but the carrier sees nothing preventing it from passing on costs.
- About 35% of fourth-quarter tickets are already booked and cannot be repriced, creating a lag in passing on costs.
- The carrier is betting customers will pay more for premium seats and amenities like Starlink.
- The remarks were made at the Morgan Stanley Laguna investor conference.
Sources and time
- Primary source
- Skift
- Other sources
- 0
- First source publication
- 17 Sept 2026, 03:43
- Page published
- 17 Sept 2026, 04:08
- Last updated
- 17 Sept 2026, 03:43
- Original links
- Skift Feed：United Still Expects to Pass On 100% of Jet Fuel Costs. Says Industry Is Turning More Premium. (opens in a new tab)Primary source · en · Published 17 Sept 2026, 03:43